On-line version ISSN 2312-3621Print version ISSN 1010-9919

Old testam. essays vol.22 n.1 Pretoria 2009

In the past psalms were often read and interpreted as single texts. With the redactional-historical approach to psalm interpretation psalm texts are more regularly interpreted within the smaller collections where they are situated? The theological relationship between a single psalm and the larger collection becomes evident when such a text (or texts) is (are) read against the background of the collection's theological programme or intention. To illustrate this relationship the twin Psalms 127 and 128 are eclectically selected from the Sîrê Hama'alôt psalms (120-134) in Book V (107-150) of the Psalter. These wisdom-related-psalms are examined for their Torah ethical thinking as envisaged in Psalm 1. With the theological programme "From exile to Zion" of the Sîrê Hama'alôt collection (120-134) these twin psalms contribute to the ethical reflection of the Yahweh-faith in Book V.

_____ The shape of the book of Psalms. Interpretation 46(1992): 129-142. [ Links ]

_____ "Shaping the Psalter. A consideration of editorial linkage in the Book of Psalms." Pages 72-82 in The Shape and Shaping of the Psalter. JSOT Supplement Series 159, edited by J. C. McCann. Sheffield: Sheffield Academic Press, 1993. [ Links ]